Chetan Prabhu
- Apr 9, 2018
- 4 min read

Best Bali Designer Fashion Labels

These best Bali designer fashion labels are worth checking out on your next shopping adventure in Bali. Most of these designers have achieved global appeal through their timeless cuts and color motifs. Some have been around since the ‘flower power’ days of Woodstock, which can be seen in their floral-inspired designs, while others simply offer originality and a touch of their designer’s personality.

The designs on offer may be replicated elsewhere, especially in the budget ‘art’ markets, but every garment you buy at these great Bali-based designer boutiques, you’re also getting value beyond form and colors. You’ll be wearing handcrafted masterworks ‘signed’ by their artists. In most cases, even an unassuming piece like a shirt or kaftan might carry a bit of history or story to tell. The select labels below range from groovy tropical resort wear to those dedicated to colorful designs that look good on you at the beach and by the pool.

1) Paul Ropp

Fashionistas have long praised Paul Ropp for the ‘head-to-toe’ range of fashion items available, mostly made from handwoven and hand-dyed cotton and silk. Most of the printed motifs are also the result of a highly skilled hand silk screening processes. The designs and creations by the eponymous New York designer are all funky, bright and colorful, somewhat harking back to the styles of the ‘60s, but which can be timeless. Items come in choices for both men and women, in designs loosely featuring styles and patterns inspired by Paul Ropp’s travels through India, Indonesia and Asia. All are flowing, lightweight and great for use in the tropics, and good to mix and match throughout the available collection. Silken evening resort dresses and kaftans in rich color tones start from USD 329 while embroidered men’s cotton print and patchwork shirts start from USD 335. Paul Ropp has several boutiques around Bali, with its flagship store in Jimbaran.

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 21:00

Location: Jalan Uluwatu No. 80, Jimbaran

Tel: +62 (0)361) 701 202

Website: http://www.facebook.com/paulroppbali

2) Milo’s

Award-winning Milanese fashion designer, Milo Migliavacca landed in Bali in the ‘70s, and is one of the island’s modern fashion pioneers. He married his knack of European fashion design and Italian aesthetics with local Indonesian silks and batiks. He developed his own signature rayon-jersey, silk-jersey and appliqués (a technique of stitching small pieces of fabric onto a larger piece). His collection has greatly evolved ever since, now featuring ‘batik couture’ of silk chiffon and organza (a durably sheer and crisp silken fabric). His designs have a timeless elegance, with newer collections in tune with contemporary fashion scenes. One thing predominant in his patterns and motifs, however, are the interpretations of his great love of nature, inspired by his award-winning collection of cultivated orchids. Orchid lovers will also enjoy exploring his impressive flower garden in Seminyak.

Opening Hours: 09:00 - 21:00

Location: Jalan Laksmana 38, Seminyak

Tel: +62 (0)361 735 551

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Milos.Bali/

3) Biasa

As one of the most popular Bali-based designer labels, Biasa offers ladies and men easy-to-wear clothing that is both fashionable and ideal for use in the tropics. Biasa’s flagship store at the northern end of the main shopping street in Seminyak features two levels: one showcasing collections for ‘her’, including matching accessories such as lightweight shawls, scarves, belts and handbag varieties, and an upper level dedicated for ‘him’. Although ‘biasa’ means ‘ordinary’ in the local tongue, the soft fabrics that merge into fine individual pieces based on the sketches and cuts of founding designer, Susanna Perini, are anything but ordinary. The boutique stocks unique pieces, incorporating top-quality cotton, linen and silk. The versatility is quite impressive, and men can match white cotton muslin shirts with a pair of cool cotton ramie trousers while ladies can try saris in unique wrap designs for evening-wear.

Opening Hours: 09:00 - 21:00

Location: Jalan Raya Seminyak 36, Seminyak

Tel: +62(0)361 730 308

4) Thaikila Bikinis

Thaikila is a major Bali-based swimwear design house, formerly known as Blue Glue Bikinis. The designs in its collection are bright and glamorous, good for enjoying the beach under the sun and a trip to the bar. There are several chic outlets around the southern resort areas, but you’ll find Thaikila’s large ‘Sunrise’ flagship store right on the far end of Seminyak’s Sunset Road. Inside its bright showroom, you’ll find a mini swimming pool surrounded by displays, which are refreshed with new arrivals roughly twice a year. Hit collections include Thaikila's ‘disco’ line, filled with bold and bright colors and prints, and the ‘tutti frutti’ series, with vibrant yellow, orange and blue combinations. You’ll also find a series of signature romantic outfits featuring powdery-pink flowers and antique embellishments in the ‘aphrodisiac’ collection.

Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00

Location: Flagship Store, Jl. Raya Kerobokan (end of Sunset Road), Kuta

Tel: +62 361 734820

Website: https://www.facebook.com/ThaikilaBikinis/

5) NicoNico Mare

Fashion designer Nico Genze has a knack for swimwear designs and, having worked in New York with Victoria’s Secret, he presents his passion through fashion with stylish ladies’ swimsuits and innovative haute couture pieces. His designs are brightly colored and inspired by his worldwide travels. Over the years, his NicoNico label has spanned two fashion labels for women and one for men. NicoNico Mare is the beachwear and swimwear line while NicoNico Intimo offers a sexy lingerie collection. Both cater to young women looking for classic styles and comfortable outfits. Lastly, NicoNico Blue is an underwear label for men, with boxer shorts and briefs in a predominant design of basic black and white, using mostly 100% combed cotton and Tactel, a high-tech fibre from Italy.